Taking your cat for a walk outside on a harness and leash allows owners to provide their indoor cats with time outdoors to explore and get exercise in a safe, controlled way.[1] Outdoor walks can provide mental stimulation and satisfy a cat’s curiosity about the world outside their home.[2] For this outdoor time to be safe and enjoyable for both cat and owner, having a properly fitted harness is essential.
Proper Fit
A cat harness should fit snugly but not too tight. According to OutdoorBengal, “A cat harness should fit snugly but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your cat’s body.”
The harness should be snug enough that it does not slide or shift around on your cat’s body, but not so tight that it restricts movement or breathing. You want your cat to be comfortable and able to move freely while wearing the harness.
Make sure the harness does not pinch or bind anywhere. Check for loose hair or skin around the neck and leg loops to ensure they are not too tight. The harness should rest comfortably on the cat’s body without putting pressure on the windpipe or shoulder joints.
When properly fitted, the harness will move naturally with your cat’s body motions and not limit range of motion. Your cat should be able to curl up to sleep, stand, walk, run, and play while wearing the snug but not constricting harness.
Snug vs Tight
When fitting a cat harness, it’s important to find a good balance between snug and overly tight. A snug harness fits close to the body without restricting movement or causing discomfort. According to Your Cat Backpack, snug harnesses are “comfy, not too tight but not too easy to get out of.”
In contrast, an overly tight harness will be constricting and limit the cat’s range of motion. As Supakit explains, “The harness should not dig into your cat’s skin or restrict breathing in any way.” A tight harness can cause chafing, discomfort, and make it difficult for the cat to move naturally.
The key is to aim for a snug fit that is secure but still allows the cat full freedom of movement. The harness should not shift or slide around on the cat’s body when properly fitted. It is better to initially fit the harness looser and then gradually tighten to find the ideal snugness for your particular cat.
Measuring for a Harness
Properly measuring your cat is crucial for finding a well-fitting harness. Follow these steps for getting accurate measurements:
1. Use a soft measuring tape, string, or ribbon. Place this gently but snugly around the widest part of your cat’s chest behind their front legs. Make sure they are standing comfortably. Mark down this measurement.
2. Next, measure around the neck right behind the ears. Again, keep the measuring tape snug but not tight. Record this measurement.
3. Measure from the base of your cat’s neck to the base of their tail to get their back length. Note this as well.
4. Compare your measurements to harness size charts from manufacturers. Sizes are usually given in centimeters or inches. Allow about 1-2 extra centimeters for growing kittens.
5. If between sizes, size up for kittens and size down for adult cats. Get the next size up if your cat is barrel-chested or very fluffy.
Be sure to refer to specific brand sizing when possible. Every company may size a little differently. Following these steps will help you find the closest match.
Sources:
[1] https://yourcatbackpack.com/blogs/cat-backpack-tips-and-advice/how-to-measure-your-cat-for-a-cat-harness-the-right-way
[2] https://supakit.co/pages/cat-harness-size-guide
Trying On
The best way to ensure a proper fit for a cat harness is to have your cat try it on before going outside. Put the harness on your cat and attach the leash, then watch how they move around. You want it to be snug but not constricting. According to KittyCatGo, the harness should not slide or twist on your cat’s body when they walk. There should be enough room for two fingers to fit under the straps. Your cat should still have full range of motion without any pinching or chafing.
Let your cat walk around inside with the leash attached for a few minutes. Make sure they can comfortably lay down, sit up, stretch, and run while wearing the harness. Watch for any rubbing that could lead to chafing. Your cat may try to wiggle out at first – this is normal. With training and positive reinforcement, they will get used to wearing a snug harness.
Trying on the harness indoors first allows you to assess the fit and make any adjustments before going outside where there are more risks and distractions. It’s much easier to get the proper adjusted fit while your cat is in a calm indoor setting.
Adjustable Straps
When shopping for a cat harness, look for one with multiple adjustable straps. Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit of the harness for your specific cat’s proportions and comfort. Harnesses with adjustable straps often have three points of adjustability: around the neck, chest, and belly. This allows you to find the perfect combination of snug yet comfortable.
According to CritterGear, their handmade harnesses feature “three adjustable locations for the perfect fit.” Adjustable straps are key for getting a secure yet comfortable fit. A harness that is too loose could allow the cat to wiggle free, while one that is too tight will cause discomfort.
When shopping on Amazon, look at the product pictures and descriptions for harnesses described as “adjustable” or with features like “customizable fit.” The PATTEPOINT Escape Proof Harness, for example, says “Adjustable Cat Harnesses” in the title. With multiple adjustable straps, you can find the ideal snug fit for your cat’s build.
Watching for Chafing
A properly fitted cat harness should not cause any rubbing or chafing on your cat’s skin. Chafing typically occurs if the harness is too tight or restrictive. Some key areas to check for potential chafing include under the front legs and around the neck. Chafing under the front legs can happen with an H-style harness if the chest strap is too snug. Similarly, chafing around the neck is a sign that the neck section needs to be looser. According to veterinarians, harnesses like the Come with Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash should allow you to easily fit two fingers between the harness strap and your cat’s skin to avoid chafing.
Chafing not only causes discomfort but can also lead to skin abrasions or even infections if left untreated. It’s important to frequently check under the harness straps for any signs of irritation. Redness, welts, scabs or bald patches are indicators that adjustments need to be made. Discontinue use of any harness that consistently causes chafing. For mild chafing, applying antibiotic ointment and giving the skin a break from the harness for a few days is often sufficient. However, veterinary attention is recommended if the chafing is severe.
Training
Getting your cat comfortable with wearing a harness takes patience and positive reinforcement. Start by letting your cat inspect the harness and get used to its smell. Place the harness on the floor and reward your cat with treats for interacting with it. Once your cat is comfortable with the harness being around, gently place it on your cat for just a few seconds at a time, rewarding and praising them during the process. As your cat gets more comfortable, gradually increase the amount of time they wear the harness.
It’s important not to force the harness onto an unwilling cat. This will only create negative associations. Go at your cat’s pace and keep training sessions relaxed and positive. Some key tips include:1
- Start training kittens young if possible.
- Let your cat sniff and inspect the harness first.
- Gently put the harness on while petting and praising.
- Keep initial harness wearing sessions very short.
- Slowly increase wearing time over multiple days.
- Reward good behavior with treats and affection.
- Stop if your cat shows signs of distress.
With regular, positive training sessions, most cats will eventually accept wearing a harness for walks and outdoor adventures.
Safety
When choosing between a collar or harness for your cat, a harness is widely considered the safer option. Collars can be dangerous for cats if they are not properly fitted or get caught on something. According to Outdoor Bengal, “A harness provides a more secure and comfortable fit for your cat while also giving you more control.”
Harnesses distribute pressure over the chest and shoulders rather than the neck, reducing the risk of trachea injuries if the cat makes a sudden lunge or the leash gets caught on something (The Cat Site). With a harness, it’s also nearly impossible for a cat to slip out and escape. This reduces the risk of your cat getting lost outdoors or injured.
Many cat owners strongly advise against collars because of the choking hazard they pose. Cats are natural escape artists and their heads are small enough to slip through a too-loose collar. A cat may then get stuck with the collar caught around their neck or leg (Reddit).
For maximum safety while walking your cat or identifying them, a well-fitted feline harness is the best choice. The potential risks of using a collar instead make harnesses the preferred option for responsible cat owners.
Conclusion
In summary, the ideal cat harness fit is snug but not tight. A harness that is too loose will allow the cat to wiggle and potentially escape, while one that is too tight could chafe and irritate the cat’s skin. The proper fit should allow you to control the cat’s movements while also being comfortable when worn for extended periods. Look for adjustable straps to achieve this balance between control and comfort. Test out the harness and tweak the straps as needed before venturing outdoors. With the right snug yet flexible fit, both you and your cat will enjoy your adventures together.
